People Are Dying of The Flu in WA State

It's not too late to get a flu shot. Health officials with the Yakima Health District say so far this flu season the district has confirmed 22 flu cases but that doesn't count all the people that never get test and simply go to the doctor.

THE FIRST FLU DEATH IN YAKIMA WAS REPORTED IN NOVEMBER

In November the first flu death of the season was reported in Yakima County but others have been reported statewide. Yakima Health District officials say the person was between the ages of 30 and 49-years-old. They say flu activity in Yakima County is low at this time but things can change rapidly say health officials the reason why they urge everyone to get a flu shot.

Getty Images

SO FAR THE SEASON HAS BEEN RELATIVELY MILD

Statewide the flu season is moderate so far with 50 deaths reported. State officials say to date, 41 influenza-like illness outbreaks have been reported in long term care facilities for the 2023-2024 season.

HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY THERE ARE SPECIFIC THINGS YOU CAN TO DO STAY HEALTHY THIS FLU SEASON

Receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine, flu vaccine, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine if eligible. Individuals can visit www.YakimaVaccines.org for more information.
Stay home if you are sick and if individuals experience COVID-19 symptoms, get tested.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.Individuals are encouraged to speak to their primary care provider about vaccination for themselves and their family to make informed decision-making. For those that do not have a primary care provider, please call 2-1-1.
Flu Vaccine Everyone six months of age and older are recommended to get an annual flu vaccine. Young children, pregnant women, those with underlying health conditions, and people aged 65 and older are at high risk for flu-related complications.

MORE TOP STORIES FROM LANCE:

25 True Crime Locations: What Do They Look Like Today?

Below, find out where 25 of the most infamous crimes in history took place — and what the locations are used for today. (If they've been left standing.)

READ ON: See the States Where People Live the Longest

Stacker used data from the 2020 County Health Rankings to rank every state's average life expectancy from lowest to highest. The 2020 County Health Rankings values were calculated using mortality counts from the 2016-2018 National Center for Health Statistics. The U.S. Census 2019 American Community Survey and America's Health Rankings Senior Report 2019 data were also used to provide demographics on the senior population of each state and the state's rank on senior health care, respectively.

Read on to learn the average life expectancy in each state.

Gallery Credit: Hannah Lang

LOOK: 50 cozy towns to visit this winter

Stacker created a list of 50 cozy American towns to visit each winter. Towns were selected based on visitor opinions, ratings from nationwide publications, and tourist attractions.

Gallery Credit: Laura Ratliff